Candle

And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you.  (Doctrine and Covenants 85:18a)

There is a candle that sits on the coffee table in our study.  When the candle was new and the flame was first lit, it burned brightly and the flame was easily visible on top.  As time has passed, however, the flame has burned its way deeper into the wick and wax of the candle.  The flame is no longer readily visible, and yet it burns just as hot as ever but at a much deeper level.  The candle now has a soft, warm glow as the irrepressible flame shines through it.  If one sits in the dark with the candle glowing, it produces a peaceful presence of gentle warmth.  

In some ways, this candle reminds me of what often happens to people.  When we are young, we often burn hot and bright with great energy and intensity.  Our flame of passion is on the surface and very visible, but subject to every wind or breeze and may be easily blown out.  As we age and gain more life experience, our flame burns deeper with a softer glow and a more gentle presence.  It becomes more resistant to every breeze and harder to extinguish.  It is lovely to be in the presence of people whose life experience has produced a deep faith which gives off a gentle and peaceful light.

May the gift of God's gentle and gracious Presence glow deeply in our lives.

Posted by Carman